PadCAD Lite 1.9.4
Blueprint-themed UI
Plugworks has created a very appropriate blueprint-like UI for PadCAD, using a very inviting strong blue while keeping all the tools in a small bar at the top of the screen. Despite being very well structured, the interface is very hard to read on the small screens of the iPhone and iPod touch.
While the UI makes perfect sense on iPads, we can’t say the same thing about the scaled down version for iPhone and iPod touch. No optimizations have been made to adjust the menus for the small screen.
Semi-CAD app
PadCAD Lite is not a full blown CAD application, such as those from AutoDesk. However, it’s got just the right amount of drawing tools to let you start or edit an imported project on the move. Also, projects can be exported in various CAD formats and then edited in more complex applications.
PadCAD Lite can be used as the starting point for drafting projects and is geared towards general contractors, carpenters, architectural firms, appraisers and real-estate professionals. There isn’t much to learn if you’re already in the business, while newcomers are greeted with a very handy guide in the settings panel. We didn’t bother our heads with it and just went crazy on the blueprint, but it’s clear as day that if you know how to design a building, PadCAD is a great assistant.
It sports intuitive finger-based drawing and editing, panning and zooming. You draw walls with your finger, then adjust them by dragging them. Every item be fine-tuned, complete with numeric values, and you get unlimited undo and redo. You can even make take photos and make recordings to use them as annotations for your project.
Good pricing
A fair pricing scheme deserves max score from us. PadCAD Lite is the free version of the PadCAD app and doesn’t lack any features except for exporting and saving. You can use every feature indefinitely and when you’re ready to take the plunge, be prepared to fork out $14.99 / €13.99. Best of all, you pay once and you’re good for life (unlike AutoCAD and other apps that charge an annual subscription).
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0/5
Hits & Misses
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misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI6
While it’s usable on iPhone and iPod touch, it displays much better on iPads. |
Function9
Great tool to start off a project with the ability to export it into a more complex app and continue your work. The picture and audio annotations can be really useful too. |
Security9
Plugworks requires account creation for some perks, but it’s not mandatory. Also, you can’t lock it with a passcode. |
Battery9
No problems here. Runs smooth and doesn’t take its toll on the GPU. |
Price10
Supports every iDevice that can run iOS 4.3. iPhones or iPads with a lower firmware limit wouldn’t be supported anyway (lack the necessary GPU / CPU / memory). |
Compatibility10
Supports every iDevice that can run iOS 4.3. iPhones or iPads with a lower firmware limit wouldn’t be supported anyway (lack the necessary GPU / CPU / memory). |
Grab it with confidence, but we suggest using an iPad
Specifications
- price:
- Free with IAP
- current version:
- 1.9.4
- reviewed version:
- 1.9.4
- developer:
- Plugworks
- category:
- IMAGE
- os version req.:
- 4.3
- age rating:
- 4+
- in-app purchases:
- Yes. Upgrade $14.99
- hits:
- 968